Chandigarh: Holi was celebrated across Punjab and Chandigarh on Wednesday as children and youth came out in groups to mark the festival with colours and music. However, police took action in some areas to control crowds and prevent disturbances.
In Chandigarh, police first cleared crowds from Sukhna Lake to avoid chaos. Later, large gatherings were reported in Sector-15 market and on the campus of Panjab University. Police used mild force to disperse people, which briefly led to tension in the area.
Hostel protest at DAV College
At the hostel of DAV College in Sector-10, girls raised slogans alleging they were not being allowed to go outside to celebrate Holi. The college administration said hostel residents had been allowed to celebrate the festival between 9 am and 12 noon, adding that the same rules are followed every year.
Police action in Amritsar, celebrations elsewhere
Police also dispersed groups creating disturbances at Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar.
Meanwhile, large gatherings celebrated Holi at Govind Godham in Ludhiana and at the Khatu Shyam temple in Alamgarh near Abohar.
Hola Mohalla draws thousands
Thousands of devotees have reached Sri Anandpur Sahib for the ongoing Hola Mohalla celebrations. Around 5,000 security personnel have been deployed, and drones are being used for surveillance to manage the crowd.
Leaders extend greetings
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann extended Holi greetings to residents, praying that the festival brings happiness and positivity into people’s lives.
In Delhi, Manish Sisodia celebrated Holi with party supporters, saying the festival was special for the Aam Aadmi Party.
In Himachal Pradesh, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and minister Vikramaditya Singh also joined supporters in Holi festivities.
